Customer Reviews

Dramatic

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The guitar playing on this album is absolutely breathtaking. It is one of those albums that grows on you the more you listen to it. It seems to sound better and better with each listen.
As a guitar player myself, it is really hard not to appreciate such a brilliant work. Kotaro's performance of Ravel's "Bolero" is powerful and stunning.
The whole album has a feel that should delight those who really appreciate quality solo guitar performances. One of the best instrumental albums I have heard in awhile.

While not agreeing, I sort of understand the reviewer who was disappointed with Oshio's 2nd album after having liked the 1st. Ohio's brilliant technique has earned him a lot of fans in Japan, and now worldwide, for "wrong" reasons--his innovative fingering, tuning, tapping and so on. If you take to Oshio for such technical aspects, yes, perhaps one of the two albums should be enough.

What truly distinguishes him from many other solo guitarists, however, is his ability as a song writer. He never writes artsy lines or indulges in lengthy improvisations. Instead, he writes a catchy, almost corny songs, and maximizes their potential beauty in six strings and ten fingers. And how well he makes his guitar sing those melodies! I did not hear much of "technique for technique's sake" in his first album, and even less in this one. Techniques are there for the melodies and rhythms--for singing songs well.

So, if you are only interested in technical innovations in modern acoustic solo guitar, get just one of the albums. If you can't get enough of beautiful melodies, get them all.

I agree that this music is the same as his first CD, but that is his style, that is what makes him Kotaro Oshio! I love his music from the bottom of my heart. Even if you do not like guitar music, if you like something beautiful, then you're sure to love this. if not, then I am sorry.

It may be true that Oshio uses almost the same technique as his first. But, technique is not the only attractiveness on him. I believe his guitar is indeed singing and talking to the listner from the bottom of the heart.
Try his live action, and you will see the truth of his music.

I was very impressed by his 1st album "Starting Point" ,so Iwas waiting for his 2nd album "Dramatic", for a long time, but it was very disappointed. All the music he composed was same style as his first album. When I listen his 2nd album I found many phrases and technique are the same even melodies in 1st album, except two of his classical arrangement which is Pachelbel's Canon in D and Bolero by Ravel. Recording was boring, same sound effect,and same altered tuned his guitar sound. I think he needs seriously develop his composing and fingering style. If you are looking for something new, this is not worth to invest.